GORING Gap Players are to perform a play written in the Thirties that has a modern resonance as its title has slipped into the vernacular. Patrick Hamilton&rsqu.
An ancient myth about Stonehenge, first recorded 900 years ago, tells of the wizard Merlin leading men to Ireland to capture a magical stone circle called the Giants’ Dance and rebuilding it in England as a memorial to the dead.
Geoffrey of Monmouth’s account had been dismissed, partly because he was wrong on other historical facts, although the bluestones of the monument came from a region of Wales that was considered Irish territory in his day.
Now a vast stone circle created by our Neolithic ancestors has been discovered in Wales with features suggesting that the 12th-century legend may not be complete fantasy.
Frank Dumbleton is one of the centre’s longest-serving volunteers and photographers. The award is organised by Tourism South East which said Mr Dumbleton had been chosen for his long-standing commitment and hard work at the railway centre. The loyal volunteer has been involved with the Great Western Society, which is the charity that has run the living museum since its formation in 1961. Mr Dumbleton typically dedicates more than 100 days each year of his time as the centre’s photographer. He records activities on the 21-acre site and takes publicity shots to help promote the popular tourist attraction. The railway enthusiast even took part in the Antiques Road Trip last year on BBC with the railway centre.
Didcot may have been named the country s 44th worst town but it does have one of the best heritage railway centres. In July the centre next to Didcot Parkway announced that its popular steam train rides were to start up again as lockdown restrictions were eased but visits are now on hold until further notice as lockdown 3 is under way due to the coronavirus. A film on YouTube shows dedicated volunteers were working on restoring old steam trains back to life in the 1980s. The BritishRailwayTV short film from the early 1980s looks at the origins of Brunels GWR and the Great Western Society at Didcot.